MySQL 5 for Professionals

Reviewed by Major Keary

The foreword says that this book is intended to address the needs of programmers [and developers] who want a ready reference to ANSI SQL syntax as implemented in MySQL 5. It is not a MySQL primer, but assumes the reader has professional-level experience in programming/developing. It is well suited to self-teaching; there are plenty of examples and exercises—a companion CD includes the source code for the examples and solutions
to the exercises. Throughout the text there are useful boxed warnings, reminders, and hints.

The book begins with details of installation for both Windows and Linux (specifically Fedora Core 3). It then introduces MySQL, describing its 'fundamentals' and describes storage engines, and how to invoke MySQL, and how to define users. A tutorial of some 250 pages takes the user through The Basics of MySQL. The rest of the book (about two-thirds of the total content) is an in-depth coverage of advanced features, using MySQL with Internet-based middleware (the PHP connection), using PERL with MySQL, using MySQL with a programming environment, MySQL's graphical database tools, the MySQL query browser, and MySQL data replication. An appendix deals with installing Fedora Core 3.

The typographic design could be better; for example, at p.23 a new topic heading stands alone at the foot of a right-hand page. However, texts covering the same ground will cost at least twice as much. The Australian distributor's on-line sales site (www.computer.bookcentre.com.au) is worth visiting for its significant discounts.